TurboTax says this version is for people who file one or more state returns, own a home or sold their home last year, made charitable contributions, or had significant medical expenses last year. It's a good choice if you have more than the simplest of tax returns, but you don't have lots of investments or rental properties.

This version is recommended for people who have rental properties or have a lot of stock, bonds, mutual funds and other investments. If you have just one or two investment accounts you probably won't need this version, but if your investing is complex or you have rental properties then this would be the right choice.

Home & Business $99.95

1 fed e-file

$109.95

5 fed e-file

1 state program

unlimited state / fed mailing returns

$36.95$19.95

Unlimited free calls

Available 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. PST. seven days a week

Free technical support via phone or online chat.

Available 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. PST. seven days a week

Find small business tax deductions.

View tax right-offs by industry

Create w-2 & 1099 forms

Asset depreciation and expense categories

This version is for true small business owners. Sole proprietors, single-person LLCs, contractors, or consultants will benefit from the additional features. If you do a minimal amount of work on the side, this version is probably more than you need.

Business n/an/a$149.95

5 fed e-file

1 state program

unlimited state / fed mailing returns

n/a$54.95

Unlimited free calls

Available 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. PST. seven days a week

Free technical support via phone or online chat.

Available 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. PST. seven days a week

Distribute K-1 forms

Import from QuickBooks

Create unlimited W-2s & some 1099 forms

Multiple business returns

Real estate rental support

TurboTax says this version is best for S Corporation, C Corporation, multi-member LLC, or partnerships. If your corporation makes less than $250,000 and has fewer than five employees than choose this version.

Basic $34.95

1 fed e-file

$19.95

5 fed e-file

$36.95 for additional state

$34.95$19.95

Professional advise ($19.95 fee)

Good for one session

Online community available

Online support center

Import previous tax year's taxes from TurboTax or TaxACT

Audit assist support

Max. refund guarantee

This version is exactly how the product is described, basic. If you're looking for a simple tax filing and don't have lots of additional information to be filed then this version is probably best for you.

Deluxe $49.95

1 fed e-file

$44.95

5 fed e-file

1 state program

$36.95 for additional state

$34.95$19.95

Professional advise ($19.95 fee)

Good for one session

Online community available

Online support center

Includes basic version features

Import W-2 and 1099 from previous tax year

Tax deduction finder for mortgage interest and charitable donations

Stocks, bonds and mutual fund filing support

H&R Block recommends this version if you own a home or have investments that you need to claim. If you earn any extra income in addition to your primary job, and have 1099s, this may also be a good option.

Premium $74.95

1 fed e-file

$64.95

5 fed e-file

1 state program

36.95 for additional state

$34.95$19.95

One free session of with a tax professional

Online community available

Online support center

Includes deluxe version features

1 free session with a tax professional

Self-employment support

Rental property income support

Schedule C help

The free live session with a tax professional may be nice, if you think you'll need it. But this version is more for people who need to claim rental property or are self-employed.

Deluxe $9.95

1 fed e-file

Supports fed only

$12.95

1 fed e-file

unlimited fed mailing returns

Supports fed only

n/an/a

Talk with a tax professional on the phone for free

Free phone, email and audit support

Phone calls during standard business hours

Accuracy guarantee

TaxACT Deluxe offers a lot of features for a great price. This version will be adequate for many users and incorporates major life changes, like buying a house and having a baby, as well as imports for 1099s and W-2 forms.

This version of TaxACT will be more than adequate for most users. Considering the price, features and phone support this version is one of the best values in tax software right now.

Deluxe $39.95

1 fed e-file

n/an/a34.95n/a

Tax advice via phone ($19.95)

Good for 90 days

Online & email

Investments, retirement accounts, major life changes, and medical expense reporting

Itemized deductions

Accuracy guarantee

CompleteTax has been reported to be more difficult to use than other tax programs. Some tax questions may not be as easy to understand as other options.

Premium $59.95

1 fed e-file

n/an/a34.95Depends on chosen service

Tax advice via phone ($19.95)

Good for 90 days

Online & email

Includes deluxe version features

Calculate first-time home buyer credit

Self-employment / sole proprietor support

Real estate earnings and losses

If you're self-employed or a business owner, than this version will be better than the Deluxe version. Rental income and investment features are also included, but the user experience may not be as good as other software programs available.

Free

1 fed e-file

n/an/aFreen/a

Depends on the program used to Free File.

Because this program is offered through a number of tax companies, the customer support may vary.

Available through 10+ tax program companies and the IRS website

Free File Plan available if you made less than $57,000 in previous tax year

Some restrictions depending on where you live

If you don't want to pay to use a tax program but still want to take advantage of the features then select a tax software program you like and use the Free File program. Keep in mind that each company sets its own restrictions on whether or not you are eligible for a free version of its program. You can also use the Free File fillable forms on the IRS website.